Will you be car shopping this year? If the answer is yes, read on! Whether you’re casually looking or ready to purchase, buying a car this year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these seven tips for buying a car this year, you’ll have a plan and be ready to go as you browse online, take a test drive, or make a purchase in Richmond or Ashland.
If you’re looking for a new vehicle this year, you’ll want to find a dealership that carries the specific brand you want, such as Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM. If you’re car shopping for a used car, truck, SUV, or van, you’ll have more of a selection as most dealerships have used cars from different automakers in stock.
It’s a good idea to research these new and used car dealerships before looking at their inventory or visiting their showroom. You want to find a dealership you can trust. Whitten Brothers Automotive offers The Whitten Advantage. This customer-focused approach to car shopping provides transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees, after-sales support, and a stress-free experience.
The next, and most important, tip for buying a car this year is knowing your budget. It’s so disappointing to find your dream car only to realize you can’t make it work financially!
Avoid this heartache by reviewing your current finances and determining how much you can afford for a downpayment (if you plan to make one) and monthly auto loan or car lease payments.
To help you determine your new car or used car budget, you can use our online tools to see a monthly payment estimate. On our new and used inventory pages, click “Show Payment Options” to see the estimated loan or lease payment on a specific vehicle.
Having your budget in mind as you explore new or used car inventories online and in person keeps you on track and can help narrow your search.
Once you know your budget, the next step in buying a car this year is to determine if you plan to buy a new vehicle or used vehicle. Both have pros and cons. With new vehicles, you’re the first driver and you get the latest features and technology. That said, new vehicles generally come with a higher price tag.
Used vehicles may come with higher mileage and previous drivers, but they often have lower price tags and you can still get great interior, safety, and performance features.
With new cars, there’s also depreciation to consider. With used vehicles, you don’t have to worry about that.
Whether you opt for a new or used, knowing your needs is also helpful. If you’re driving your family around, a comfortable interior and advanced safety features probably top your list. If you drive to work daily, a fuel-efficient vehicle makes sense. Adventure seekers are likely looking for a vehicle with outstanding off-road capabilities.
Once you’re ready to start your search, it’s time to explore new or used vehicle inventories online. If you have a specific make and model in mind, this helps narrow your search.
If you’re car shopping for a used vehicle and at the beginning of your search, take a look at different makes, body styles, and features to help you get a better sense of what you need.
If you know you want a car, truck, SUV, or van, you can start your search there and find a used vehicle from a reputable brand within your price point.
If you currently drive a vehicle, we recommend planning to trade it in when you buy a car this year. Whether you’re opting for a new vehicle or a used car, your current vehicle’s trade-in value can be used to offset the cost of your purchase.
You can apply this value toward a downpayment or your monthly payments. Selling your vehicle to a dealership, rather than on your own, also helps reduce the stress of having to manage a car sale as you are car shopping.
Make sure you bring the vehicle’s title and registration, the account number of your current loan if you have one, and service records.
Easily get your vehicle trade-in value online from Kelley Blue Book!
Automakers and dealerships frequently provide new vehicle specials and used vehicle specials to help you save on your vehicle purchases. These can include:
If you plan to lease a vehicle, automakers often offer lease deals on new SUVs, trucks, cars, and vans as well.
New vehicle specials and used vehicle specials are subject to change so be sure to check before you visit us in Richmond or Ashland!
If you’re at the purchase stage of car shopping, it’s best to be prepared before you visit one of our showrooms in Richmond or Ashland.
Get pre-approved online or an auto loan or car lease before visiting us in person. We offer in-house financing so this helps speed up the car buying process.
As you explore our inventory online, put together a list of vehicles you’d like to test drive. Test driving a car is a crucial step in car shopping. It’s the only way to truly get a feel for how the vehicle handles and how comfortable you feel driving it. Having a list of vehicles you’re interested in also speeds up the process.
There are certain documents you’ll need to complete a vehicle sale:
If you’re eligible for a group discount, you can also bring in proof that you are part of that group.
Before buying a car, it’s a good idea to know your credit score. While it’s not necessary, you can bring a copy of your credit report with you too.
When it comes to car shopping, drivers from Richmond and Ashland trust Whitten Brothers Automotive. Whether you’re looking for the latest Mazda, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM or a used vehicle from these or other popular automakers, we’ve got you covered. We have a lineup of the most popular new vehicles and an extensive selection of used vehicles. Our helpful Sales Advocates are here to help every step of the way, and our finance team works to get you the best possible rates and terms. If you’re ready to work with Whitten Brothers to buy a car this year, contact us to get started!